Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Japan Redux- the philosophy of flowers

Japan has obviously been on my mind a lot lately, as well as the collective psyche. I'm very thankful to say that I've now heard from all of my friends in Japan, and remarkably they are all ok. There are some places with severe structural damage, but they are ok. And of course now there is the issue of the nuclear reactors, which are located about a couple of hours from Hitachi.

Living in Japan deeply engrained in me the philosophy of living in season. This is the sakura- cherry blossom- time of year. Here in Oklahoma we don't have a lot of cherry blossoms, but we do have many plum, pear, and redbud trees.

In Japan, karaoke is big. One of my sweet, dear friends, Alina, would often sing a song called Sakura at karaoke. Lately I have missed her, my friends there, the memories, and the blossoms. This song says so much about Japanese philosophy and the truth about life and changing seasons.

Here's the thing about the season of blooms. It's beautiful, but fleeting. And it's only the beginning. The blooms are replaced by leaves, and that is when they come into their own.

Many people are difficult seasons right now. I hope we can all find hope through the world around us as it lives, changes, and shines beauty.



Sakura

Surely we're waiting, for the day we can see you again.
On the street lined with cherry blossom trees
We'll wave our hands and yell out.

Whenever we suffer or start to lose heart
We feel we can hang in there because you're smiling.
We can hear the song from back then from in those hazy scenes.

Cherry blossoms now in full bloom scattered fleetingly
I know it's fate, farewell my friend.
when it's time to leave on your journey,
with that unchanging feeling.

I wonder if now we can say those words without pretense.
Words from the heart, Words to hope for your bright future.
It's as if the bustling city is rushing us.

Cherry blossoms just floating to the ground believing one day they'll be reborn
Don't cry my friend, It's a shame but it's time to go
With that unadorned smile

Cherry blossoms now flying in the air
Eternally rustling awash in light
Farewell my friend let's meet again here.
On the street scattered with cherry blossoms.


Cherry blossom

1 comment:

OK Chick said...

I've thought of Japan often as well. Thank you for the post.